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Help to Buy adds 10k places to open doors for more home buyers
More Australians will be able to get into the housing market after the federal government’s shared equity scheme was expanded, with new spots added and eligibility thresholds increased.
The federal government has expanded its Help to Buy scheme to help more low- and middle-income earners enter the housing market.
Housing Australia announced that, from today, 1 July, 10,000 new places will be available for FY 2026–27 across all states and territories, while income eligibility thresholds will increase.
Additionally, taxable income limits will increase to $103,000 for single applicants and $165,000 for joint and single-parent applicants, following the scheme’s solid early uptake.
Previously, the scheme income limit was capped at $100,000 for individuals and $160,000 for couples.
The scheme, which began in December 2025, allows home buyers to purchase a property sooner with a deposit of as little as 2 per cent, while the federal government covers a proportion of the purchase price.
Subject to eligibility criteria, the government can contribute up to 40 per cent to new homes and 30 per cent to existing dwellings.
Since it began, the program has received more than 7,200 applications, with 4,800 of those having found a home to live in, or settled, with the remainder still looking for a home.
The scheme has seen the strongest demand in Victoria, followed by NSW and Queensland, with the recent expansion to Tasmania marking a full national rollout.
Housing Australia said almost seven out of 10 applications were from single applicants, including 12 per cent who were single parents, highlighting the scheme’s support for those facing the greatest barriers.
“With a median deposit of $30,000 and 86 per cent first home buyers, Help to Buy is a critical pathway into home ownership for Australians with limited savings,” it said.
It also said the scheme was playing a role in supporting older single women into stable home ownership, as a fast-growing cohort experiencing housing insecurity, with 42 per cent of women supported being aged 40 or above.
Help to Buy executive leader, Alia Ayoub, said the scheme’s strong uptake since its launch highlighted the demand for support and showed the impact it was already having.
“We’re particularly encouraged by the number of single applicants and single parents participating, as well as the growing number of older women accessing home ownership and long-term security through Help to Buy,” she said.
Housing Australia CEO, Scott Langford, said the program was making a meaningful difference to Australians who had been locked out of home ownership.
“The changes from 1 July ensure we can continue to support more Australians into home ownership,” he said.
“We look forward to working with participating lenders to provide housing stability for individuals, families and communities; now, and into the future.”
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